Timber mill

ABSTRACT

An adjustable in-feed conveyor carries logs to a positioning feed means. A sawyer selects the desired log length and the positioning feed means moves the log to the proper position adjacent a saw. Clamping means disposed adjacent the saw is adapted to securely hold a log in place while it is being cut. The positioning feed means then moves the log away from the saw to an unloading station including spaced movable unloading portions adapted to engage logs and lift them off of the feed means and onto a truck and the like. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile trailer means.

United States Patent Mills 5] Nov. 14, 1972 [5 TIMBER MILL 2,889,8586/1959 Roberts ..143/46 F 72 Inventor: Druid L. Mills, 9 Ella Taylor Rd.3,457,971 7/1969 Maradyn ..l43/46 R Ymkmwn, 23490 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS [22] 1970 722,125 l/l955 Great Britain ..143/46 R [21]Appl. No.: 87,639

Primary Examiner-Donald R. Schran Related US. Application Data Atwmeyshoemaker & Mame [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 726,159, May 2,

1968, abandoned. ABSTRACT I An adjustable in-feed conveyor carries logsto a posiiLf-il. .143/32 tioning feed means. A Sawyer selects h desiredl ll I length and the positioning feed means moves the log [58] Field ofSearch ..l43/32 R, 32 P, 46 R, 46 F, to the proper position adjacent asaw Clamping 83/363 372 means disposed adjacent the saw is adapted tosecurely hold a log in place while it is being cut. The posi- [56]References Clted tioning feed means then moves the log away from theUNITED STATES PATENTS saw to an unloading station including spacedmovable unloading portions adapted to engage logs and lift 932,2178/1909 Wilkinson ..l43/46 F them fi of the f d means and onto a truckand the 1,262,943 4/1918 Gustafson ......l43/46F like The apparatus ismounted on a mobile trailer 2,291,982 8/1942 Overacker et al 143/ 168 Cmeal 2,410,887 11/1946 Locke ..l43/46 F 2,876,815 3/1959 Rodgers 143/46F 35 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDnnv 14 m2 SHEET 2 OF 8 w: in:NO..

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wow vow N8 [T [Ill INVENTOR DRUID L. MILLS ATTORNEYS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a self-contained timber millof the type mounted on a mobile vehicle so that it can be readily movedto any suitable location where it is desired to harvest logs from thewoods.

Inthe past, it has been a common practice to cut down trees, and thenthe entire trees are loaded onto long trailers in the woods and carriedto a sawmill at a fixed installation. The tree is then unloaded andsawed to length. Those logs which are undesired at a mill such as'veneeror pulpwood must then be re-loaded onto trucks and carried to anothermill.

The above type of operation is obviously inefficient, and efforts havebeen made to provide mobile apparatus sometimes termed Log Slashers-inthe form of a mobile vehicle which can be driven to the desired cite.Such log slashers in the prior art are suited for cutting pulpwood onlyand cut all logs to one length. No sawyer is required or useful inoperation of this type of apparatus wherein all the logs areautomatically cut to the same length.

This type of prior art apparatus is so arranged that when the logs arecut into pulpwood length, they are dropped into a basket and when abundle of such logs have been cut, a grapple which is employed forplacing the log in place on the apparatus is then employed for pickingup the bundle of pulpwood logs to place them on a truck and the like.

The principal disadvantage of employing apparatus as describedhereinabove is that when all logs are cut to a single length, a greatdeal of lumber may be wasted, and this is certainly not the mostefficient way to cut logs.

In the prior art, it has been a common practice to cut logs in the fieldby the use of manually operated power saws. The logs are measured by eyeor by a stick, and the length thereof is only very roughly estimated. Itis normally desirable to cut logs into certain predetermined lengths inaccordance with the type of wood involved. For example, pulpwood isusually cut into foot lengths, while veneer may be cut in lengths of 4ft., 5 ft. and 6 ft. and the like, whereas saw logs may be cut intolengths of8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., 14 ft., 16 ft. or 18 ft., or otherspecial lengths. When these lengths are only .roughly estimated, thelogs are usually cut a little longer than necessary so that aconsiderable amount of lumber is lost in the final product.

In prior art cutting procedures, as employed in the field, the ends ofthe logs are rarely cut square, thereby requiring considerable trimminglater on. The principal disadvantage of most log cutting operations isthe fact that they are not cut properly so as to use lumber to the bestadvantage so as to take into consideration the taper of the logs and thecrooks therein. In order to most efficiently cut logs, the services of asawyer are required. Since a sawyer is a relatively skilled person, hisservices are not generally employed in the field because of the costconsideration.

In present-day logging operations, the cut logs are often moved aroundquite a bit in the woods, and all of this movement represents lost timeand requires extra equipment.

Another problem involved in loading logs in the field is the fact thatit is difficult to align the logs thereby making it difficult toefficiently load the logs on a truck. Furthermore, when it is desired tomeasure a log, it must first be unloaded from a truck or the like inprior art procedures.

SUMMARY OF 'I'I-IE INVENTION The present invention provides a mobiletimber mill which can be taken directly to the location where the logsare cut. Accordingly, it is not necessary to load an entire tree onto atrailer and then transport it to a sawmill.

A particularly important feature of the present invention is theprovision of a feed means the operation of which can be selectively andaccurately controlled so as to control the length of the logs cut by themachine. This control means is in the form of a remote control systemwhich may be readily operated by a sawyer so positioned relative to themachine that he can readily observe the logs as they are being fed intothe machine. Accordingly, a skilled sawyer can most effectively cut thelogs taking into consideration the taper of the logs as well as thecrooks therein. Maximum efficiency of log cutting is thereby obtainedwith the arrangement of the present invention.

It is not necessary to measure the logs by any rough estimatingprocedure, but rather an effective automatic measuring system isprovided in the present invention which ensures that the logs will becut to the desired length. In this manner, no lumber is lost by cuttingthe logs to an excessive length.

The apparatus of the present invention enables logs to be cut in a veryquick and efficient manner, and considerably increases the speed ofcutting as compared to the utilization of manually operated power sawsas conventionally employed in the field.

The apparatus of the present invention is adapted to cut square ends onthe logs to thereby eliminate necessity for trimming the logs at a latertime.

Due to the efiiciency of operation of the apparatus of the presentinvention, a skilled sawyers services can be utilized so as to obtainthe most effective possible cutting of logs.

The mobile timber mill of the present invention reduces the necessityfor moving cut logs about to a minimum, the logs being shifted from thecut position onto the feed means of the timber mill, and thensubsequently effectively unloaded from the apparatus onto a truck or thelike for transport to the ultimate destination.

The unloading procedure can be effectively carried out in the presentinvention so that the butt ends of the logs are aligned with one anotherwhereby more efficient loading of the truck is obtained and a neaterload is possible.

The length of the log to be cut is very accurately determined by theapparatus of the present invention, and it is not necessary to unload alog in order to measure the length thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top somewhat schematicview of the timber mill of the present invention in association withother structure for carrying out a log cutting operation;

FIGS. 2a and 2b disclose two halves of the mobile timber mill as seen inelevation, it being understood that the lines 2b and 2a of FIGS. 2a and2b respectively are adapted to be superimposed upon one another toprovide the complete view, the sawyers platform and panel being removedfrom FIG. 2a for the sake of clariy;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are top views of the structure shown in FIGS. 2a and 2brespectively, FIGS. 3a and 3b being adapted to be superimposed along thelines 3b and 3a of FIGS. 30 and 3b respectively to provide the completeview;

FIGQ4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of FIG. 2alooking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a-view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the components in adifferent operative position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 66 of FIG. 3blooking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating further details ofconstruction of the apparatus and showing different operative unloadingpositions of the unloading members; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the remote control hydraulic andelectrical systems for remotely operating various portions of theapparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawingswherein like reference characters designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates in a somewhat schematicmanner the over-all arrangement which may be employed for processinglogs in the field. As seen in this figure, a suitable mobile vehicleindicated generally by reference numeral 10 is provided, this particularvehicle forming no part of the present invention and being of knownconstruction. The vehicle includes a grapple means 12 mounted at the endof an extensible boom portion 14 which is operated by an operator seatedin the seat 16 mounted at an upper portion of the vehicle. The vehicleis supported by road wheels 18, and conventional outriggers 20 areprovided for bracing and steadying the vehicle when in use. A cab 22 isprovided for operating the vehicle in over-theroad transit.

Mobile vehicle 10 is illustrated solely as a suitable means for liftinga log from a group of logs indicated by reference character L onto theapparatus employed for processing the logs. Any other suitable handlingmeans may be employed in place of the mobile vehicle 10 as will beapparent to one skilled in the art.

The grapple 12 is adapted to move a log onto a conventional debarkermechanism indicated generally by reference numeral 30 which is adaptedto remove the bark from a log in a well known manner. The log travelsalong the debarker and thence over a metal detector mechanism 32 whichis adapted to detect the presence of nails or other metal objects whichmight be harmful to the saw of the timber mill. If any undesiredmetallic objects are detected, paint is sprayed at the point where metalis hidden, so that the sawyer can cut out and discard this section oflog.

The timber mill of the present invention includes a pair of mobilevehicles 40 and 42 which are trailers adapted to be towed by a suitabletractor mechanism. It is of course apparent that the chassis of one ofthese mobile vehicles could be extended to include a cab and drivemechanism so that the mobile vehicles could incorporate their owndriving gear to eliminate the necessity of providing a separate tractor.However, it is considered preferable to form the vehicles as trailers.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2a and 3a, the portion 40 of the timbermill is supported by conventional wheels 46 for movement along highwaysas well as rougher terrain. Portion 40 of the timber mill is adapted tosupport an in-feed conveyor means which receives logs from the debarkermechanism or other suitable loading means and transports the logs to apositioning feed means as hereinafter described.

The portion 40 of the timber mill includes a support platform 48, and apair of members 50 and 52 extend vertically upward from this platformand the upper ends of members 50 and 52 are adapted to rotatably journala shaft 60 having a pair of spaced sprockets 62 fixed thereon. Thesedrive sprockets are adapted to mesh with parallel chain members 64 and66, these chain members being of endless construction and entrainedaround the drive sprockets 62.

Another sprocket is secured to the outer end of shaft 60 and meshes witha drive chain 72 which is further in mesh with a drive sprocket 74secured to the drive shaft of electric motor 78. This motor is connectedby cable mechanism with a suitable source of electrical energy such as aportable motor generator or the like (not shown).

The chain members 64 and 66 have rigid members 84 extending therebetweenand securely attached thereto as by welding or the like. Thesecrossmembers 84 may in a typical example comprise sections of railwaytrack so as to be sufficiently strong and rugged as to support logsthereon and to stand up during long periods of use.

Disposed adjacent the left-hand end of the portion 40 of the timber millare a pair of hydraulic cylinders pivotally supported at the lower endsthereof on pivot pins 92. The piston rods 94 of the hydraulic cylindershave enlarged portions 96 supported at the outer ends thereof whichrotatably support a shaft 100. A pair of idler sprockets 102 aresupported on shaft 100, these idler sprockets being in meshingengagement with the chain members 64 and 66 which are trained thereover.

The hydraulic cylinders 90 may be remotely controlled as hereinafterdescribed so as to raise or lower the shaft 100, thereby adjusting theslope or inclination of the in-feed conveyor means supported on portion40 of the timber mill. This adjustment enables the in-feed conveyormeans to accommodate various means for placing the logs onto the in-feedconveyor means and also aids in positioning the logs to be cut off.

The vehicle portion 42 of the timber mill is provided with supportingground engaging wheels 110, and a hitch mechanism 114 is provided forinterconnecting the two trailer portions 40 and 42 with one another. Anysuitable means such as hitches 116 and 118 may be provided at the endsof the trailer portions 40 and 42 respectively for suitablyinterconnecting these trailer portions to a tractor and the like.

A positioning feed means is supported by trailer portion 42 and includesa plurality of aligned weight-supporting rolls 120, 122, 124, 126, 128,130, 132, 134, 136 and 138, these rolls being of generally hourglassshape as seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the rolls being aligned with oneanother in the direction of movement of a log through the mill. Some ofthese rolls are driven and some are idlers as hereinafter described. Alog moves lengthwise along these rolls during operation of theapparatus, and a stop plate indicated by reference numeral 140 isprovidedat the right-hand end of the mill as seen in these figures. Theplate 140 is pivotally supported on a shaft 142, this shaftbeingsupported by the upper ends of vertically extending members 144supported by the platform portion 145. A pair of depending rods 146 arepivotally secured at 147 to the plate 140, these rods being receivedwithin hollow cylindrical portions 148 extending upwardlyfrom thesupport platform 145. Rods 146 are provided with holes therein, andcylindrical members 148 are provided with a plurality of vertical holesformed therethrough for receiving pin means 150 when the holes in rods146 are aligned with the holes 149 in members 148 for securing the stopplate 140 in desired inclined position so as to engage a log movingalong the positioning feed means and'to stop movement thereof. 7

Roll 120 is secured to a shaft 160, this shaft 160 being joumalledwithin the upper ends of vertically extending members 162 the lower endsof which are supported by the platform 145. A drive pulley 164 issecured to the outer end of shaft 160 for driving the roll 120 in themanner hereinafter described.

4 A suitable drive motor 170 is supported on the platform 145, andanelongated drive shaft 172 extends therefrom. This shaft is rotatablyjoumalled by spaced bearing portions 174 secured to the platform. Aplurality of spaced drive pulleys 176, 178, 180, 182,184 and 186 aresecured to spaced portions of shaft 172, each of these drive pulleysbeing drivingly interconnected with the drive pulley of one of theaforementioned rolls for rotating the rolls when drive shaft 172 isrotated.

The drive pulley' 176 is connected with a belt member 190 which istrained over drive pulley 176 as well as drive pulley 164 previouslydescribed. Accordingly, a twisted belt drive is provided between thedrive shaft and roll 120. This type of drive is illustrated solely forthe purpose of illustration, and it should be understood that anysuitable drive means may be pro vided for selectively driving the rolls,and a chain drive may also be employed for this purpose.

The roll 122 is secured to a shaft 200 the opposite ends of which arerotatably supported by verticallyextending spaced members 202. Thesemembers are supported at the lower ends thereof by coil compressionsprings 204. Members 202 are guided for vertical movement by guidemembers 206 secured to the platform.

A drive pulley 210 is fixed to the outer end of shaft 200, this drivepulley being drivingly connected with A drive pulley 230 is secured tothe outer end of shaft 220, and drive pulley 230 is drivingly connectedwith pulley 180 by a twisted belt 232.

The guide members 206 and 226 are rigidly interconnected with oneanother by cross brace members 236. The vertically extending members 202and 222 at either side of the rolls are interconnected with one anotherby upper links 238 and lower links 240 having the opposite ends thereofpivotally interconnected with the adjacent vertically movable members.It is apparent that rolls 122 and 124 are resiliently supported in theposition illustrated and are adapted to move downwardly as required toaccommodate logs sup ported thereon, such downward movement being guidedto retain, the members in proper relative position.

Roll 126 is secured to a shaft 250, this shaft being rotatably joumalledby spaced vertical members 252. These vertical members are supported atthe lower ends thereof by coil springs 254 resting on the platform.Vertical movement of member 252 is guided by guide portion 256 securedto the platform.

A drive pulley 260 is secured to the outer end of shaft 250, pulley 260being drivingly interconnected with the pulley 182 by a twisted belt262.

Roll 128 is secured to a shaft 270, the opposite ends of which arerotatably joumalled by vertical members 272. These members 272 aresupported at the lower ends thereof by coil springs 274 resting on theplatform. Members 272 are guided for vertical movement by guide members276 secured to the platform.

A drive pulley 280 is secured to the outer end of shaft 270, pulley 280being drivingly connected with pulley 184 by a twisted belt 282.

Guide members 256 and 276 are rigidly interconnected with one another bycross brace members 286. Upper pivoted links 282 and lower pivoted links290 are connected between the vertical members 252 and 272 at oppositesides of the rolls for pivotally interconnecting these verticallymovable members. Here again, the rolls are resiliently supported andguided for vertical movement.

Roll 130 is secured to the shaft 300 the opposite ends of which aresupported by a pair of spaced vertical members 302. These verticalmembers 302 are guided in their vertical movement by guide members 304secured to the platform. The lower ends of vertically movable members302 are supported by coil compression springs 306.

A drive pulley 310 is secured to the outer end of shaft 300, drivepulley 310 being drivingly interconnected with pulley 186 by twistedbelt 312.

It is apparent from the foregoing that each of the rolls 120, 122, 124,126, 128 and are driven by the drive motor 170, and accordingly, thisrepresents the drive portion of the positioning feed means. Theremaining rolls 132, 134, 136 and 138 are all idler rolls and constitutethe idler portion of the positioning feed means.

The roll 132 is secured to a shaft 320 the opposite ends of which arerotatably joumalled within spaced vertical members 322 guided formovement by members 334. A coil spring 326 is disposed beneath the lowerends of vertical members 322 for resiliently supporting these verticalmembers.

Roll 134 is secured to the shaft 330 the opposite ends of which arerotatably journalled within spaced generally parallel vertical members332. Members 332 are supported by coil compression springs 334 supportedby the platform. Members 332 are guided in vertical movement by guidemembers 336 secured to the platform.

Roll 136 is secured to a shaft 340 the opposite ends of which arerotatably journalled within spaced generally parallel vertical members342. The lower ends of members 342 are supported by coil springs 344which rest upon the platform. Vertical movement of members 342 is guidedby guide members 346 secured to the platform.

Guide members 336 and 346 are rigidly interconnected with one another bycross brace members 350. An upper link 352 and a lower link 354 eachhave their opposite ends pivotally interconnected with the verticalmembers 332 and 342 at opposite sides of the rolls, whereby the rollsare resiliently supported for vertical movement and are guided in suchmovement.

Roll 138 is secured to a shaft 360 the opposite ends of which arerotatably journalled within spaced vertical members 362. Verticalmembers 362 are guided in their vertical movement by guide members 364secured to the platform. Coil compression springs 366 engage the lowerends of vertical members 362, these coil springs resting upon theplatform.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 3a and 4, the details of construction at thesawing or cutting station are most clearly illustrated. A conventionalchain saw driving mechanism is indicated generally by reference numeral360, this mechanism being supported by a pair of spaced support members362 secured to the platform 145. A chain support means 364 ofconventional construction supports a cutting chain 366 having the usualcutting members thereon, and being driven in the usual manner. Portion364 is pivotally supported for movement about an axis 368.

Power-operated means are provided for pivoting the chain saw intocutting position with respect to a log and includes a hydraulic cylinder370 supported upon a bracket 372 secured to one of the vertical supportmembers 362. The piston rod 374 of the cylinder is connected with abifurcated portion 376 which is in turn pivotally interconnected at 378to opposite sides of the portion 364 of the chain saw. It is apparentthat operation of the hydraulic cylinder will cause the chain saw to bepivoted into the desired operative position either as in a non-cuttingrelationship as shown in FIG. 4, or in the cutting position shown inFIG. 5.

A pair of log lifting members 380 and 382 are suitably pivotallysupported at one end thereof, and as seen most clearly in FIG. 4, member382 is pivotally connected with the upper end of a vertical member 384by a pin means 386.

Hydraulic means is provided for raising and lowering the log liftingmembers, and a first hydraulic cylinder 390 is pivotally supported atthe lower end thereof about a pivot pin 392. The piston rod 394 of thiscylinder is pivotally connected by a pin means 396 with the outer end oflog lifting member 380.

A further hydraulic cylinder 400 is pivotally supported at the lower endthereof by pivot pin 402. The piston rod 404 of this cylinder ispivotally interconnected by a pin 406 with the outer end of log liftingmember 382.

It is apparent that operation of the hydraulic cylinders 390 and 400 areadapted to selectively raise or lower the log lifting members for apurpose hereinafter described.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 4, a log hold-down means is indicatedgenerally by reference numeral 410 and includes a depending lug 412which is pivotally secured by a pin 414 to a bracket 416 secured to theupper surface of the chain saw drive mechanism 360.

The hold-down means includes a first elongated portion 418 which joinswith a generally normally extending portion 420, portion 420 in turnjoining with a normally extending portion 422 which extendssubstantially parallel with the portion 418. A pair of spaced guideportions 426 are secured to the upper surface of the chain saw drivingmechanism 360, these guide portions guiding vertical movement of portion418 of the hold-down means.

Power operated means is provided for controlling the operation of thehold-down means and includes a hydraulic cylinder 430 pivotallysupported at the lower end thereof by a pivot pin 432. The piston rod434 of the cylinder is pivotally connected by pin 436 with the portion418 of the hold-down means. It is apparent that operation of hydrauliccylinder 430 is adapted to swing the hold-down means about the pivot pin414 for a purpose hereinafter described.

A pair of side thrust members 440 and 442 are provided, each of theseside thrust members being pivotally supported at the lower ends thereoffor lateral movement. The construction and operation of these two sidethrust members is substantially identical, and the details ofconstruction and operation of the side thrust member 442 may be clearlyseen in FIG. 4, it being understood that the side thrust member 440 isprovided with similar components as illustrated in connection with sidethrust member 442.

Side thrust member 442 is pivotally supported at the lower end thereofby a pivot pin 444. Hydraulic means is provided for pivoting member 442about pivot pin 444 and includes a hydraulic cylinder 450. One end ofthe cylinder is pivotally connected by a pin 452 with a bracket 454secured to a vertically extending member 456 supported by the platform.The piston rod 458 of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at460 to the side thrust member 442. It is apparent that operation of thehydraulic cylinder 450 will cause the side thrust member 442 to pivot ina lateral direction with respect to the apparatus for a purposehereinafter described.

A first generally horizontally extending guide member 470 is supportedby a pair of vertically extending members 472, and a second generallyhorizontally extending guide member 480 is supported by a pair of spacedvertically extending members 482. These guide members 470 and 480 areadapted to guide movement of the lateral thrust members 440 and 442respectively in a lateral direction, the log lifting members 380 and 382serving as guide means on the opposite side of these lateral thrustmembers.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 3b, a first pair of mova-' ble log engagingunloading means are indicated generally by reference numerals 500 and502, these unloading means being pivotally supported by a support means504 secured to the platform. A further pair of log unloading means 506and 508 are pivotally supported by a support means 510. Still anotherlog unloading means 514 is pivotally supported by a support means 516.

Each of these log unloading means is of substantially identicalconstruction, and accordingly, the details of construction of the logunloading means 500 will be specifically described, the correspondingmembers of the other log unloading means being given the same referencenumerals-primed for the sake of simplicity.

As seen in FIGS. 3b and 6, the log unloading means 500 includes a pairof spaced plates 520 and 522 which are pivotally supported on a pivotpin 524 secured to the support means 504.

A first hydraulic cylinder 530 is pivotally supported at 532 to thesupport means 504. The piston rod 534 of the cylinder is connected witha pin 536 which in turn is secured to plate 522. It is apparent thatoperation of hydraulic cylinder 530 will cause plates 520 and 522 topivot about the axis of pivot pin 524.

An elongated arm 540 is pivotally supported on a shaft 542 which extendsbetween plates 520 and 522, this shaft serving to interconnect theplates for movement with one another.

Another hydraulic cylinder 550 is provided, this hydraulic cylinderbeing pivotally supported upon a shaft 552 which extends between platesS and 522. The piston rod 554 of the cylinder is pivotally connected at556 with a bracket 560 extending from the elongated arm 540. It isapparent that operation of hydraulic cylinder 550will cause theelongated arm 540 to pivot about the shaft 542.

A cradle member 570 includes a first'elongated portion 572 and a secondelongated portion 574 extending generally normally from the portion 572,these portions defining an inner curved surface therebet ween asindicated by reference numeral 575 for supporting a log between the twoportions 572 and 574. The cradle member is pivotally supported by a pin576 extending between the outer bifurcated end portion of elongated arm540. 1

A hydraulic cylinder 580 is pivotally interconnected by pin 582 with thearm 540. The piston rod 584 of the cylinder is pivotally connected bypivot pin 586 with the cradle member. It is apparent that operation ofhydraulic cylinder 580 is adapted to cause the cradle member to pivotwith respect to the outer end of elongated arm 540.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the manner in which the log unloading meansoperates to unload a log from the rolls is illustrated. Referring againto FIG. 6, the log unloading means is disposed in its normal inoperativeposition wherein it is disposed adjacent a roll with the portion 574thereof disposed below the roll so as to not engage or interfere withmovement of a log along the rolls.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the full line position illustrates the mannerin which a log may be lifted off of the rolls and then maneuvered so asto be unloaded onto a first truck indicated by phantom line T. In thisposition, it will be noted that the plates 520 and 522 have been pivotedinto a nearly upright position while the elongated arm 540 remains insubstantially the same position relative to the plates. The cradlemember 570 will of course be manuevered as the plates and arm move so asto retain a log in place therein. In the position shown in FIG. 7,thecradle has been pivoted suffciently so that the log will roll downwardlytherealong so as to drop under the influence of gravity onto the truck.

FIG. 7 also illustrates in phantom lines the position occupied by thelog unloading components for unloading a log into a truck indicated byphantom line T disposed at the opposite side of the timber mill.

In the position shown in FIG. 7, the plates have not been pivotedupwardly as much as they have in FIG. 6, and the elongated arm 540 hasbeen swung outwardly a maximum distance possible with the hydrauliccylinder 550. The cradle member as shown in FIG. 7 is positioned so thata log will drop therefrom under the influence of gravity onto a truck TIt is apparent that the construction as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7enables the cradle member to be effectively maneuvered so as to move alog upwardly from the positioning feed means rolls and to either side ofthe apparatus for discharge therefrom.

Referring again to FIG. 6, it will be noted that the platform isprovided with a suitable slot means 590 to enable the plates of the logunloading means to move into the normal inoperative position as seen inthis figure.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2b and 3b, a plurality of spacedmicroswitch mechanisms 600, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, and 616are supported by support members 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634and 636 respectively which extend upwardly from the platform. Themicroswitches include elongated flexible sensing elements 600, 602',604', 606', 608, 610, 612, 614 and 616 respectively which extendupwardly above the support surfaces of the adjacent rolls so that logsmoving along the rolls will engage the sensing elements of themicroswitches. These microswitches are employed for accurately measuringthe cut length of the logs as hereinafter described.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 1, a sawyers platform 640 is supported atone side of the portion 42 of the timber mill, this platform being sopositioned that a sawyer can readily observe logs moving along theinfeed conveyor means and onto the positioning feed means whereby he mayeffectively determine what length of log is to be cut. A control panelindicated by reference numeral 642 is disposed at the sawyers station.

An unloaders station 646 is supported at the end of Accordingly, as seenin FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention can be effectivelyoperated by three men. A first man is required to operate the loadingmechanism for placing a log onto the debarker means. A sawyer ispositioned on platform 640, and an unloader is positioned on platform646.

Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings, the remote control system foractuating the various components of the timber mill are schematicallyillustrated. The various hydraulic cylinders, drive motors andmicroswitches previously described are provided with the same referencenumerals in this figure.

The sawyers control panel includes a plurality of selectively operablefour-way valves 700, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 and 712, all of which areconnected in parallel with one another and in series with a hydraulicpump 716 and a conventional sump 718.

Valve 700 is connected by suitable conduits 90 with the hydrauliccylinder 90 which controls the inclination of the in-feed conveyormeans.

Valves 702 and 712 are connected by suitable conduits 450' with the twohydraulic cylinders 450 for independently controlling the operation ofthe two side thrust members.

The valves 704 and 710 are connected by suitable conduits 390' and 400respectively with the hydraulic cylinders 300 and 400 whereby the loglifting members can be independently operated.

The valve 306 is connected by conduits 430 with the hydraulic cylinder430 for controlling the operation of the hold-down means. Valve 708 isconnected by conduits 376 with the hydraulic cylinder 376 forcontrolling the pivotal movement of the chain saw.

It is apparent that suitable operation of the valves 702-712 inclusiveenables the clamping means including the log lifting members, the loghold-down member and the side thrust members to be actuated ashereinafter described for effectively controlling the cutting of a log.

The sawyers panel also includes a first electrically operable switch730. One side of the switch is connected by lead 732 with a motorgenerator indicated by reference numeral 734, this motor generator beinglocated at any suitable position adjacent to the timber mill. The otherside of the motor generator is connected by a lead 736 with the drivemeans 360 of the chain saw. The opposite side of switch 730 is connectedby lead 738 with the drive means of the chain saw. it is apparent thatswitch 730 is adapted to control the operation of the chain saw.

A switch 740 has one side thereof connected with the lead 732 previouslydescribed. The other side of switch 740 is connected by lead 742 withthe motor 78 which operates the in-feed conveyor means. The other sideof motor 78 is connected with the lead 736 previously described. It isapparent that manually operable switch 740 is adapted to control thedrive of the in-feed conveyor means whereby this in-feed conveyor meansmay be started and stopped at will.

A plurality of switches 750, 752, 754, 756, 758, 760, 762, 764 and 766are connected by leads 750', 752, 754', 756', 758', 760', 762', 764' and766' respectively with microswitches 600, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612,614 and 616. The opposite sides of each of these microswitches areconnected with a lead 770 which is connected with one side of the motor170. The other side of the motor is connected by a lead 772 with themotor generator 734 previously described.

A further switch 768 is connected by lead 774 with the lead 770. All ofthe aforementioned switches 750-768 inclusive are connected at theopposite sides thereof with the lead 732 previously described.

Each of the microswitches 600-616 inclusive are normally closed, whileeach of the switches 750-768 inclusive are normally open. By closing anyone of the switches 750-766 inclusive, a circuit is closed through oneof the microswitches so as to actuate the motor to drive the drive rollspreviously described. These microswitches are positioned at points alongthe mill so that the microswitches 600, 602, 604, 606, 608,610, 612, 614and 616 are adapted to be engaged by the front end of a log and to stopthe log at such points when it is desired to cut a log to lengths of 4ft., 5 ft., 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., 14 ft., 16 ft. and 18 ft.respectively.

Accordingly, if it desired, for example, to cut a 4-foot length of log,switch 750 is closed thereby energizing a circuit through microswitch600 causing motor 170 to operate the drive rolls until the forward endof the log strikes the microswitch 600. When the log hits thismicroswitch, it is adapted to open the microswitch thereby opening thecircuit so as to stop motor 170. The log is then accurately positionedfor cutting by the saw which is so positioned when the log is stopped atthis location that it will cut off a length of log 4 ft. long. It willbe understood that any one of the microswitch circuits can be selectedin accordance with the desired length of log to be cut, whereupon afterone of the switches 750-766 is closed, the log will be advanced until itreaches the proper position and then will be automatically stopped. Theswitch 768 enables the sawyer to operate the drive rolls independentlyof the microswitches.

The unloaders panel includes a plurality of valves for remotelycontrolling the various log unloading means previously described. Afirst set of valves 800, 802 and 804 are provided for controlling logunloading means 500. Valves 800, 802 and 804 are each four-way valvesand are connected in parallel with one another and in series with aconventional hydraulic pump 808 and an associated sump 806.

Valve 800 is connected by suitable conduits 820 with the hydrauliccylinder 580 for controlling the pivotal movement of the cradle of logunloading means 500. Valve 802 is connected by suitable conduits 822with the hydraulic cylinder 530 for controlling the pivotal movement ofthe plates of this log unloading means. The valve 804 is in turnconnected by conduits 824 with the hydraulic cylinder 550 forcontrolling the pivotal movement of the elongated arm of this logunloading means.

It is evident that by suitably actuating the valves 800, 802 and 804,the log unloading means 500 may be selectively operated.

Each of the remaining log unloading means is provided with three controlvalves substantially identical with those previously described, andaccordingly the remaining valves of the unloaders panel have been giventhe same reference numerals primed, it being understood that thesevalves operate in the same manner with respect to the associated logunloading means so as to selectively move the log unloading means whendesired.

OPERATION A log is initially handled by means of the grapple 12 ofvehicle 10 to place it on the debarker 30. The log is moved along thedebarker and over the metal detector 32 onto the in-feed conveyor meansmounted on the portion 40 of the timber mill.

The sawyer controls the inclination of the in-feed conveyor means byoperating valve 700, and he can start and stop the in-feed conveyormeans as required by operation of the switch 740.

The sawyer scrutinizes the tree as it moves along the in-feed conveyormeans and decides the length of log he wants to cut, or whether he wantsto cut veneer or pulpwood. Let us assume that he decides to cut a 12-foot log. In this case, he would operate switch 760 thereby closing thecircuit through rnicroswitch 612 to cause motor 170 which is initiallyde-energized, to be energized. The rolls 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, and130 are then driven so as to advance the log toward the right-hand sideof the drawings. The log will continue to advance until it. engages thesensing means of microswitch 610 whereupon the microswitch which isnormally closed is opened so as to de-energize motor 170. The log isthen properly positioned for cutting a 12-foot length.

The sawyer then operates valves 704 and 710 to move the log liftingmembers upwardly so as to lift the logs into the operative positionshown in FIG. wherein the log is supported by the log lifting membersabove the underlying positioning feed means rolls.

The sawyer also operates valve 706 so as to move the log hold-down means410 downwardly into the operative position shown in FIG. 5. The sawyeralso operates valves 702 and 712 so as to move the side thrust members440 and 442 into the operative position shown in FIG. 5 so that they areadapted to abut against the side of the log and to prevent lateralmovement of the log toward the right-hand side of this figure whichwould be the normal tendency when the chain saw is operated in acounterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrows in this figure.

The log is then securely clamped in position by the log lifting members,the log hold-down member and the side thrust member.

The sawyer then operates switch 730 to drive the chain saw, and valve708 is operated so as to swing the saw downwardly to cut the log. Thechain saw is then moved further downwardly so as to completely sever thelog, the hold-down means preventing the portion of the log to the leftof the saw as seen in FIG. 2a, for example, from flying up in the air.

' After the log has been cut, the log lifting members, the log hold-downmember and the side thrust members are moved back into their initialposition as shown in FIG. 4, whereupon the log is free to advance alongthe positioning feed rolls. Thesawyer may then operate switch 768 so asto move the log along the rolls until it strikes the stop plate 140.

The sawyer can then repeat this cycle of operation, it being understoodthat by suitably controlling the drive to the in-feed conveyor means andthe drive rolls, logs may be sequentially fed through the timber mill.The loading operator determines on which truck a log should be placedand operates the control valves of the unloading panel so as to operatesuitable log unloading spaced log unloading means for lifting a log,although all of these unloading means may be operated simultaneously ifdesired. It should also be noted that a log does not necessarily have tobe movedall the way into engagement with the stop plate 140, but in thecase of shorter length cuts, the cut portion may not be moved all theway into engagement with the stop plate.

It is evident that the remote control system as shown in FIG. 8 enablesa sawyer to selectively decide what length of log is to be cut, and thenby closing a suitable switch, this length log is automatically measuredand determined by the apparatus, whereupon the saw is adapted to cut offthe predetermined length. The entire cutting and unloading operation canbe carried out by a ,sawyer andan unloader, and these operations may bevery efficiently and quickly accomplished with the control system of thepresent invention.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since thescope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changesthat fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form theirfunctional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are thereforeintended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. A timber mill comprising conveyor feed means for feeding a logthrough the mill, cutting means for cutting the log, means adjustablysupporting said conveyor means so that the inclination thereof can bevaried as desired to position the log such that the longitudinal axisthereof is perpendicular to the plane of a cut made by said cuttingmeans thereby ensuring a substantially square cut through the log,unloading means for unloading cut logs from the mill, and a plurality ofautomatic remote control measuring and sensing means for accurately andautomatically measuring a log and stopping the feed means at differentpositions to rapidly position and cut logs to different predeterminedlengths.

2. A timber mill comprising feed means for feeding a Iogthrough themill, cutting means for cutting the log, unloading means for unloadingcut logs from the mill, means for clamping the log in position to becut, said clamping means including side thrust means for engaging theside of a log to.' prevent lateral movement thereof, said side thrustmeans including a pivotally mounted member, power-operated meansconnected with said pivotally mounted member, and remote control meansconnected with said power operated means for remotely controlling theoperation thereof, and a plurality of automatic remote control measuringand sensing means for accurately and automatically measuring a log andstopping the feed means at different positions to rapidly position andcut logs to different predetermined lengths.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the feed means comprisesconveyor means, means adjustably supporting said conveyor means so thatthe inclination thereof can be varied as desired to position'the logsuch that the longitudinal axis thereof is perpendicular to the plane ofa cut made by said cutting means thereby ensuring a substantially squarecut through the log.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said infeed conveyor meansis of the endless conveyor type.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including means for clamping the login position to be cut, said clamping means including side thrust meansfor engaging the side of a log to prevent lateral movement thereof, saidside thrust means including a pivotally mounted member, power-operatedmeans connected with said pivotally mounted member, and remote controlmeans connected with said power operated means for remotely controllingthe operation thereof.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said clamping means includesmovably mounted log hold down means, movably mounted log lifting means,and remote control means for remotely controlling the operation of eachof said lifting means, hold down means and side thrust means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed means includes aplurality of weight supporting rollers which are resiliently mounted.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said unloading meansincludes a plurality of unloading arms, and each of said unloading armsincluding a plurality of pivotally mounted lever means.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the lever means includesmeans for manuevering cut logs into position on either side of the millfor loading cut logs onto trucks or the like in a neat and orderlyfashion.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the unloading means ismanueverable both vertically and horizontally.

l 1. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the unloading arms areoperatively connected to means for manueverin g the arms in pairs sothat one arm contacts near one end of the log, while the other armcontacts near the other end of the log, and both arms are moved inunison, thereby holding the log in a stable position while manueveringsaid log to its desired position on a truck or in a storage space.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed means includes aplurality of feed rolls aligned one with another, means for driving saidrolls, clamping means for clamping a log in position adjacent saidcutting means, said clamping means including movably mounted log liftingmeans, movably mounted log hold down means and movably mounted sidethrust means, said unloading means including a plurality of spacedmovable log engaging portions, and remote control means for remotelycontrolling the operation of said feed rolls, said clamping means andsaid unloading means.

13. A timber mill as in claim 1, wherein said measuring and sensingmeans comprising a plurality of spaced sensing devices disposed in thepath of a log moving through the mill, said sensing devices connectedthrough a control circuit with a drive means for driving said feedmeans, said control circuit selectively operable to activate one of saidsensing devices so that when said one sensing device senses a log, thefeed mean is stopped and the log is automatically measured andpositioned to be cut to different lengths, depending on which sensingdevice is selectively activated.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed means includes aplurality of rotatable rolls for supporting and moving a log therealong,means for driving said rolls, said measuring and sensing means includingmeans for controlling the drive to said rolls to interrupt the drive tothe rolls.

nected with a portion of said feed means.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including means for clamping a login position to be cut, and remote control means for operating saidclamping means.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said clamping meansincludes lifting means for engaging the underside of a log to lift it ina vertical direction.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said lifting meansincludes at least one pivotally mounted lifting member, andpower-operated means connected with said lifting member, remote controlmeans being connected with said power-operated means to remotely controlthe movement of said lifting member.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said clamping meansincludes log hold down means for holding a log against upward movementwhen cut by a saw.

20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said hold down meansincludes a pivotally mounted member, power-operated means operativelyconnected with said member, and remote control means for controlling theoperation of said power-operated means.

21. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, including side thrust means forengaging the side of a log to prevent lateral movement thereof towardsaid cutting means.

22. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said cutting means includesa saw means, said saw means being movably mounted, and remotelycontrolled power-operated means for moving said saw means into operativeposition.

23. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed means includespositioning feed means comprising a plurality of weight-supportingrolls, means for driving said rolls, said rolls being substantiallyaligned with one another, at least one of said rolls being disposed ateither side of said cutting means in the direction of movement of a logthrough the mill.

24. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein at least some of saidrolls are resiliently supported.

25. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, including stop means disposed inalignment with said rolls and in the path of movement of a log throughthe mill for positively limiting the movement of a log.

26. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed means includes apositioning feed means, said in-feed conveyor means and said positioningfeed means being substantially aligned with one another, saidpositioning feed means including a plurality of rolls, and means fordriving said rolls.

27. Apparatus as defined in claim 26, wherein said in-feed conveyormeans is of the endless conveyor type.

28. Apparatus as defined in claim 26, wherein said in-feed conveyormeans is adjustably supported so that the inclination thereof can bevaried as desired to compensate for logs of different taper so that theend of said log can be cut square.

29. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said unloading meansincludes a plurality of spaced movable log engaging portions.

30. Apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein said log engaging portionsare pivotally mounted and power-operated.

31. Apparatus as defined in claim 30, wherein said engaging portions areconnected with a remote control system for selectively independentlyremotely controlling the operation of said log engaging portions.

32. Apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein said feed means includes aplurality of aligned rolls, said log engaging portions being normallydisposed adjacent said rolls and disposed below the upper supportingsurfaces of said rolls.

33. A timber mill as in claim 1, wherein said measurin g and feed stopmeans comprises a plurality of spaced microswitch means disposed in thepath of a log moving through the mill, said microswitches connectedthrough a control circuit with a drive means for driving said feedmeans, said control circuit selectively operable to activate one of saidmicroswitches so that when said one microswitch is engaged by a log, thefeed means is stopped and the log is automatically measured andpositioned to be cut to different lengths, depending on whichmicroswitch is selectively activated.

34. A timber mill as in claim 1, wherein said unloading means includesautomatic remote control means for segregating various types of logsaccording to length, species and the like, and means for loading andpositioning the segregated logs for transportation.

35. A timber mill comprising feed means for feeding a log through themill, cutting means for cutting the log, unloading means for unloadingcut logs from the mill, and a plurality of automatic remote controlmeasuring and sensing means for accurately and automatically measuring alog and stopping the feed means at different positions to rapidlyposition and cut logs to different predetermined lengths, said measuringand feed stop means comprising a plurality of spaced microswitch meansdisposed in the path of a log moving through the mill, saidmicroswitches connected through a control circuit with a drive means fordriving said feed means, said control circuit selectively opera ble toactivate one of said microswitches so that when said one microswitch isengaged by a log, the feed means is stopped and the log is automaticallymeasured and positioned to be cut to different lengths, depending onwhich microswitch is selectively activated.

1. A timber mill comprising conveyor feed means for feeding a logthrough the mill, cutting means for cutting the log, means adjustablysupporting said conveyor means so that the inclination thereof can bevaried as desired to position the log such that the longitudinal axisthereof is perpendicular to the plane of a cut made by said cuttingmeans thereby ensuring a substantially square cut through the log,unloading means for unloading cut logs from the mill, and a plurality ofautomatic remote control measuring and sensing means for accurately andautomatically measuring a log and stopping the feed means at differentpositions to rapidly position and cut logs to different predeterminedlengths.
 2. A timber mill comprising feed means for feeding a logthrough the mill, cutting means for cutting the log, unloading means forunloading cut logs from the mill, means for clamping the log in positionto be cut, said clamping means including side thrust means for engagingthe side of a log to prevent lateral movement thereof, said side thrustmeans including a pivotally mounted member, power-operated meansconnected with said pivotally mounted member, and remote control meansconnected with said power operated means for remotely controlling theoperation thereof, and a plurality of automatic remote control measuringand sensing means for accurately and automatically measuring a log andstopping the feed means at different positions to rapidly position andcut logs to different predetermined lengths.
 3. Apparatus as defined inclaim 2, wherein the feed means comprises conveyor means, meansadjustably supporting said conveyor means so that the inclinationthereof can be varied as desired to position the log such that thelongitudinal axis thereof is perpendicular to the plane of a cut made bysaid cutting means thereby ensuring a substantially square cut throughthe log.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said infeedconveyor means is of the endless conveyor type.
 5. Apparatus as definedin claim 1, including means for clamping the log in position to be cut,said clamping means including side thrust means for engaging the side ofa log to prevent lateral movement thereof, said side thrust meansincluding a pivotally mounted member, power-operated means connectedwith said pivotally mounted member, and remote control means connectedwith said power operated means foR remotely controlling the operationthereof.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said clamping meansincludes movably mounted log hold down means, movably mounted loglifting means, and remote control means for remotely controlling theoperation of each of said lifting means, hold down means and side thrustmeans.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed meansincludes a plurality of weight supporting rollers which are resilientlymounted.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said unloadingmeans includes a plurality of unloading arms, and each of said unloadingarms including a plurality of pivotally mounted lever means. 9.Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the lever means includes meansfor manuevering cut logs into position on either side of the mill forloading cut logs onto trucks or the like in a neat and orderly fashion.10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the unloading means ismanueverable both vertically and horizontally.
 11. Apparatus as definedin claim 8, wherein the unloading arms are operatively connected tomeans for manuevering the arms in pairs so that one arm contacts nearone end of the log, while the other arm contacts near the other end ofthe log, and both arms are moved in unison, thereby holding the log in astable position while manuevering said log to its desired position on atruck or in a storage space.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said feed means includes a plurality of feed rolls aligned onewith another, means for driving said rolls, clamping means for clampinga log in position adjacent said cutting means, said clamping meansincluding movably mounted log lifting means, movably mounted log holddown means and movably mounted side thrust means, said unloading meansincluding a plurality of spaced movable log engaging portions, andremote control means for remotely controlling the operation of said feedrolls, said clamping means and said unloading means.
 13. A timber millas in claim 1, wherein said measuring and sensing means comprising aplurality of spaced sensing devices disposed in the path of a log movingthrough the mill, said sensing devices connected through a controlcircuit with a drive means for driving said feed means, said controlcircuit selectively operable to activate one of said sensing devices sothat when said one sensing device senses a log, the feed mean is stoppedand the log is automatically measured and positioned to be cut todifferent lengths, depending on which sensing device is selectivelyactivated.
 14. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed meansincludes a plurality of rotatable rolls for supporting and moving a logtherealong, means for driving said rolls, said measuring and sensingmeans including means for controlling the drive to said rolls tointerrupt the drive to the rolls.
 15. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said measuring and sensing means includes sensing means disposedin the path of movement of a log through the mill to be engaged thereby,said sensing means being connected in a remote control drive systeminterconnected with a portion of said feed means.
 16. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, including means for clamping a log in position to becut, and remote control means for operating said clamping means. 17.Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said clamping means includeslifting means for engaging the underside of a log to lift it in avertical direction.
 18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein saidlifting means includes at least one pivotally mounted lifting member,and power-operated means connected with said lifting member, remotecontrol means being connected with said power-operated means to remotelycontrol the movement of said lifting member.
 19. Apparatus as defined inclaim 16, wherein said clamping means includes log hold down means forholding a log against upward movement when cut by a saw.
 20. Apparatusas defined in claim 19, wherein said hold down means includes apivotally mounted member, power-operated means operatively connectedwith said member, and remote control means for controlling the operationof said power-operated means.
 21. Apparatus as defined in claim 16,including side thrust means for engaging the side of a log to preventlateral movement thereof toward said cutting means.
 22. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said cutting means includes a saw means,said saw means being movably mounted, and remotely controlledpower-operated means for moving said saw means into operative position.23. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed means includespositioning feed means comprising a plurality of weight-supportingrolls, means for driving said rolls, said rolls being substantiallyaligned with one another, at least one of said rolls being disposed ateither side of said cutting means in the direction of movement of a logthrough the mill.
 24. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein at leastsome of said rolls are resiliently supported.
 25. Apparatus as definedin claim 23, including stop means disposed in alignment with said rollsand in the path of movement of a log through the mill for positivelylimiting the movement of a log.
 26. Apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein said feed means includes a positioning feed means, said in-feedconveyor means and said positioning feed means being substantiallyaligned with one another, said positioning feed means including aplurality of rolls, and means for driving said rolls.
 27. Apparatus asdefined in claim 26, wherein said in-feed conveyor means is of theendless conveyor type.
 28. Apparatus as defined in claim 26, whereinsaid in-feed conveyor means is adjustably supported so that theinclination thereof can be varied as desired to compensate for logs ofdifferent taper so that the end of said log can be cut square. 29.Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said unloading means includes aplurality of spaced movable log engaging portions.
 30. Apparatus asdefined in claim 29, wherein said log engaging portions are pivotallymounted and power-operated.
 31. Apparatus as defined in claim 30,wherein said engaging portions are connected with a remote controlsystem for selectively independently remotely controlling the operationof said log engaging portions.
 32. Apparatus as defined in claim 29,wherein said feed means includes a plurality of aligned rolls, said logengaging portions being normally disposed adjacent said rolls anddisposed below the upper supporting surfaces of said rolls.
 33. A timbermill as in claim 1, wherein said measuring and feed stop means comprisesa plurality of spaced microswitch means disposed in the path of a logmoving through the mill, said microswitches connected through a controlcircuit with a drive means for driving said feed means, said controlcircuit selectively operable to activate one of said microswitches sothat when said one microswitch is engaged by a log, the feed means isstopped and the log is automatically measured and positioned to be cutto different lengths, depending on which microswitch is selectivelyactivated.
 34. A timber mill as in claim 1, wherein said unloading meansincludes automatic remote control means for segregating various types oflogs according to length, species and the like, and means for loadingand positioning the segregated logs for transportation.
 35. A timbermill comprising feed means for feeding a log through the mill, cuttingmeans for cutting the log, unloading means for unloading cut logs fromthe mill, and a plurality of automatic remote control measuring andsensing means for accurately and automatically measuring a log andstopping the feed means at different positions to rapidly position andcut logs to different predetermined lengths, said measuring and feedstop means comprising a plurality of spaced microswitch means disposedin the path of a log moving through the mill, said microswitchesconneCted through a control circuit with a drive means for driving saidfeed means, said control circuit selectively operable to activate one ofsaid microswitches so that when said one microswitch is engaged by alog, the feed means is stopped and the log is automatically measured andpositioned to be cut to different lengths, depending on whichmicroswitch is selectively activated.